As the weather is beginning to change in most places, I wanted to share a few resources I’ve taken advantage of during my time here at Northwestern University. But before I get ahead of myself, let me introduce myself. My name is Andrés Polanco Molina, and I am a fourth year at Northwestern University studying Latinx Studies and Anthropology. Outside of my work in CLAVE with the Undergraduate Admissions Office, I am currently the President of Alianza (Northwestern’s Latinx Student Alliance), and a research fellow in the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship and the Council of Race and Ethnic Studies. Over the course of my time at Northwestern University, I’ve taken advantage of the many resources here, and I hope to tell you about some that may be of interest to you. Since there’s quite a few, I’m going to split them up between departments:
Multicultural Student Affairs
Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) is the department that oversees Hispanic/Latinx/e, Black, APIDA, and Native/Indigenous Student Affairs. These departments are staffed by an Assistant Director and Graduate Student Assistant who offer support and plan events for all students. These events are a blast (and usually have free food). This quarter I went to most of the Latinx/e Heritage Month events, and I got some free books out of it! Assistant Directors also typically have office hours once or twice a week that allow for students to voice their concerns. I usually use these office hours to talk chisme with the AD of Hispanic/Latinx Student Affairs.
Another fun resource that MSA oversees is the student spaces that are available, specifically The Black House and the Multicultural Center (MCC). Both buildings have kitchen areas, libraries, plenty of hangout spaces, computer labs (with free unlimited printing), student organization planning spaces, and a lot more. This quarter I have some breaks in between my classes, so me and my friends are in the MCC on an almost daily basis. There are so many events happening around these spaces that there is usually leftover food around so it’s an easy way to get free lunch. One of my favorite things to do is knock on the AD’s doors and ask for free snacks to help me get through my homework sessions.
Student Enrichment Services
Student Enrichment Services (SES) is also a big department here at Northwestern, and is in charge of overseeing support for First-Generation, Lower-Income, and Undocumented Students. SES is structured similarly to MSA, with Directors, Assistant Directors, Graduate Student Assistants, and its own space, also called SES. The SES space is a bit of a hidden gem, and it just got all new furniture which is really nice.
SES also oversees a lot of student grant and financial opportunities. Through SES Northwestern students can apply for a winter gear fund which can help students buy clothes to keep them warm during the Midwest Winter. There is also the professional clothing grant which allows students to buy clothes they may need for interviews, internships, or other reasons formalwear may be necessary. There’s plenty of other grants and opportunities that students can take advantage of too. For example, there’s a specialized fund that allows for students to get funding to join clubs. A friend of mine was able to pay for new cleats and shin guards for their club soccer team through SES!
Gender and Sexuality Resource Center
The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) is the newest department that I’ll mention. The GSRC used to be a sub-department of MSA, but push from students in recent years helped make it its own formal department with a much nicer space on campus. The GSRC is right next to the MCC and SES spaces, and since it is the newest space it is also one of the nicest. Alongside the normal things any Northwestern facilities may have, there are certain qualities that give the GSRC its own charm. The GSRC has a stage and stage lights meant for spoken word nights. There is a mood/soft lighting for all the study spaces. There is a fully stocked “makers’ space” with a bunch of different craft supplies. There is even a shower that students can use.
These departments mean a lot to students here at Northwestern, and I hope you get the chance to make full use out of them one day too!
Con cariño,
Andrés
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